Lyra's POV
Kaelen's composure shattered right in front of me, and something sharp twisted deep in my chest. His eyes turned glassy, rimmed with red. The kind of expression that came from fighting back emotions until your body gave you away.
"Are you okay?" I asked softly.
He crossed the distance between us in two quick steps and wrapped his arms around me. His grip was fierce, desperate enough that I felt the slight tremor in his shoulders. I circled my arms around his back and simply held him. No words, no questions. Just staying present while he came undone in the only way he'd permit himself.
Over his shoulder, I noticed movement. Benedict strolled past us, and when our gazes connected, his expression transformed. I caught that same smug, calculating look from the courtyard. That razor-sharp smile that made my skin crawl. He continued walking and vanished around the corner without uttering a sound.
Ice flooded my veins, but I maintained my steady hold on Kaelen.
